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China's SAIC to revive historic Longbridge UK plant
MG's former Longbridge, UK headquarters has been pretty quiet since production ceased in 2005. Newly-merged owners SAIC and Nanjing want the clatter of carbuilding to once again echo through the plant and plan to base their European and overseas operations there. The plant itself has the capability to build up to three different models; the challenge is deciding which of the former rival's products to build there. MG TF roadsters will likely lead the charge, with cars due at retail locations by March 1st. MG Rover holdovers could return to their roots if SAIC/Nanjing decide to build the MG 3 and MG 7, while the newly deisgned Roewe W2, pictured above, looks like a solid possibility, as well. In addition to manufacturing, R&D and sales efforts will also be strengthened. From the sound of things, it won't be long before Longbridge is once again turning out cars (some of the same cars, even) at a healthy clip.
[Source: Auto News - sub req]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Random Task 3:14PM (1/08/2008)
Wow. That is awesome news, as there is nothing the world needs more than Chinese knockoffs of ancient British/ Japanese engineering. Europe is salivating with anticipation.
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andybee 3:45PM (1/08/2008)
actually it was engineered and designed in the UK at Ricardo 2010
Dazza 4:43PM (1/08/2008)
They're not knockoffs. Nanjing bought the rights to MG, and SAIC bought those to most of the former Rover line. The Roewe 45 will be the final production car that would have been the Rover RDX60 (a JV between SAIC and Rover) had Rover have survived.
jgp 3:17PM (1/08/2008)
Camry with a Saturn nose?
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VP 4:05PM (1/08/2008)
I went straight to the picture without looking at the headline and thought of the same thing about the front clip: Saturn Aura.
Come on china, we know you have some very smart people so please put them to good use. There is nothing wrong with being inspired, but don't copy.
Jackie B. 6:08PM (1/08/2008)
Hmm, those tires look North American!!!!
Kunikos 3:22PM (1/08/2008)
The nose looks like a smiley face. LOL
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Pat 4:18PM (1/08/2008)
That is a great looking grille.
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efm-7 4:32PM (1/08/2008)
hmm acura CSX headlights
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Rick 5:23PM (1/08/2008)
Nice looking collection of influences. I like the look.
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Guenther 4:49PM (1/08/2008)
Styling aside, it seems odd that the a Chinese company would assemble cars in the UK. Judging by most other volume makes, its a difficult place to build a car and make money.
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EMC 8:16PM (1/08/2008)
They are building them in UK, because MG *was* a brittish brand and the hardware/experience is already there.
The UK is the home marked for the MG (and most likely the largest), so it makes perfect sense for the new owners to come in with open arms and display their "good will" by reopening and rehiring a lot of the pre-employed MG/Rover workforce. Not to mention far less transportation costs etc.
Kunikos 1:00AM (1/09/2008)
Yes, but I'm sure they aren't saving any money by having to pay labor at 100x the cost of Chinese labor. Not to mention the cost of land/property to build the factory.